GrammarJLPT N5
→ again
Again / Also / On the Other Hand
JLPT N5AdverbNeutral
また is one of the most versatile and frequently used words in Japanese, functioning primarily as an adverb meaning "again" or "once more," but also serving as a conjunction meaning "also," "moreover," or "on the other hand." As an adverb, また indicates that an action or event repeats or will repeat, similar to もう一度 (one more time), though また feels more natural and casual in everyday speech while もう一度 emphasizes doing something specifically "one more time." As a conjunction placed at the beginning of a sentence or clause, また adds information or introduces a contrasting point, functioning similarly to それに (in addition) or さらに (furthermore). The word is usually written in kana alone rather than with its kanji 又. Because of its simplicity and wide range of uses, また appears constantly in both spoken and written Japanese across all registers, making it essential for learners to master early.
Functions
#1 Repetition of an action (again / once more)
Structure
また + Verb
また雨が降っている。
Here また is placed before the verb phrase to indicate that the rain is happening once more, implying it has rained before. This is the most basic and common use of また, expressing that something is repeating. The speaker may feel mild annoyance or simple observation about the recurrence. This usage is neutral in register and appears in both casual conversation and formal writing.It's raining again.
Structures
- Adverb (again / once more)
- また + Verb / Sentence
- Conjunction (also / moreover / on the other hand)
- Sentence。また、Sentence
Common mistakes
A common mistake is confusing また with もう一度. While both can mean "again," もう一度 specifically requests or describes doing something "one more time" and is often used with requests (もう一度言ってください), whereas また describes natural recurrence or habitual repetition. Another frequent error is overusing また as a conjunction in formal writing where さらに or 加えて might be more appropriate for academic or business contexts. Beginners sometimes place また at the end of a sentence like English "again," but in Japanese it should come before the verb or at the beginning of the clause. Finally, learners may not realize that また in parting phrases like またね is a fixed expression and try to substitute もう一度, which sounds unnatural in goodbyes.
Related
もう一度さらにそれにそして再びも